Colombia Agriculture Minister repeals land restrictions in La Guajira

Colombia’s Minister of Agriculture, Indalecio Dangond, has signed the first repeal of the Areas of Special Importance for Food Production (Appa), releasing eight municipalities in southern La Guajira from previous land-use restrictions. These restrictions, established under the previous administration, had limited municipal control over territorial planning and land use.

Addressing recent controversy regarding rice cultivation, Dangond clarified that his previous comments regarding not planting rice were specific to La Guajira. He argued that rice production in the region, particularly in Fonseca, has become economically unviable due to low yields and high production costs, leading to repeated losses for farmers despite access to irrigation. He emphasized that agricultural activities should be concentrated in regions where they are profitable and sustainable.